Ambulance Catches Fire on Federal Highway 307 in Quintana Roo

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — An ambulance burst into flames on Federal Highway 307 Tuesday afternoon, causing significant traffic delays but resulting in no injuries, authorities reported.

The vehicle, operated by the private medical service Costamed, caught fire near Police Checkpoint Number 2 on the Playa del Carmen to Tulum stretch of the highway. Initial reports indicate a mechanical failure sparked the blaze shortly after the ambulance passed through the security checkpoint.

The driver managed to stop the vehicle and escape unharmed as flames quickly engulfed the ambulance. Passing motorists noticed the emergency and immediately used fire extinguishers to try to control the fire while alerting emergency services.

Firefighters arrived minutes later and fully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles. The ambulance was almost completely destroyed, reduced to charred metal.

The incident caused heavy traffic congestion in both directions for over an hour, particularly toward Tulum, as emergency crews worked at the scene. Authorities later called for a tow truck to remove the burned vehicle and clear the roadway.

Officials confirmed only material damage from the fire, with no injuries reported among the driver, emergency personnel, or bystanders.